Hanger system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for hanging framed objects, such as picture frames, that permit simple and easy repositioning of the framed objects after the hanging system has already been mounted onto a surface or structure. The systems include a trio of elongated members that include an area defining a slot formed therein. The trio of members are interconnected to each other by a fastening device disposed at least partially through overlapping slot portions of two adjacent members. A first member is then mounted onto the surface or structure, such as but not limited to a wall. The other two members are then positioned relative to each other, as well as the first member, so as to be operable to situate the mounted framed objects in any number of positions, such as, but not limited to leftwardly, rightwardly, upwardly, downwardly and combinations thereof.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for hanging objects, such as picture frames, and more particularly, to new and improved systems and methods for hanging objects, such as picture frames, that permit simple and easy repositioning of the object, such as a picture frame, after the hanging system has already been mounted onto a surface or structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A picture frame is typically defined as a decorative edging for a picture, artwork, photograph and/or any other image/media type that is intended to hold, protect, enhance and/or provide a means for protecting and/or displaying the contents contained therein. Typically, picture frames are constructed of a rigid material, such as wood, various metals and alloys thereof, and more recently, various plastic materials.

Optionally, a separate backing material may be provided on the back surface of the picture frame to keep the picture portion from falling backwardly out of the picture frame (e.g., by providing tabs that swivel or bend thus allowing the backing material to be removed, the picture portion to be placed in a cavity of the picture frame, and the backing material placed back onto the rear of the picture frame, with the tabs swiveled or bent back into a position that prevents the backing material from being removed). It should be appreciated that other convetional methods for installing and/or securing the picture portion in the picture frame are well known in the art.

Additionally, an optional separate transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass, various plastics and/or the like) may be provided on the front surface to protect the picture portion from damage once it has been installed into the picture frame.

In order to hang the picture frame on a surface or structure, such as but not limited to a wall, it is generally required to provide some type of mounting system on the picture frame that is intended to cooperate with a mounting system provided on the surface or structure. Many picture frames typically include, on a rear surface thereof, a wire or other string-like member that is secured to both the left and right sides of the picture frame, e.g., by eye bolts, staples and/or the like. The wire typically has a certain amount of slackness associated with it, the intended purpose of which will be explained herein. Alternatively, some picture frames have hooks, bars, brackets and/or the like, instead of a wire.

With respect to the mounting system provided on the surface or structure, typically a hook or hook-like system or some other structure (e.g., a screw, nail and/or the like) is provided. Generally, the installer selects a specific area on the surface or structure to install the hook or like device that generally corresponds to the intended final position of the installed picture frame (e.g., after taking into consideration the slackness of the wire). This is typically accomplished by driving the hook or like device into the surface or structure by any means available (e.g., hand-pressing, screwing and/or hammering). More recently, adhesive based hook systems have become commercially available that do not require any puncturing of the surface of structure.

Regardless of the methodology used to provide the mounting system on the surface or structure, the wire may then be brought into engagement with the hook or like device, thus accomplishing the installation of the picture frame on the surface or structure. The slackness of the wire allows the installer to generally get the wire to easily latch onto the hook or like device.

While very minor adjustments may be made to the positioning of the installed picture frame (e.g., to achieve a perceived or actual level appearance by moving the wire relative to the hook or like device), any significant positional changes of the picture frame will generally require removal and reinstallation of the mounting system that was previously provided on the surface or structure. In certain cases, this will require removing screws or nails from the surface or structure, leaving unsightly holes in the walls which may be an issue in the case of leased property. Additionally, repeat repositioning of adhesive based hook systems may compromise the future integrity of the bond between the surface or structure and the adhesive.

The installer will now have to repeat the process of selecting another specific area on the surface or structure to install the hook or like device that generally corresponds to the intended final position of the installed picture frame (e.g., again after taking into consideration the slackness of the wire). This entire process may need to be repeated several times until the final position of the mounted picture frame is achieved. This could become an issue in the case of multiple picture frames that need to be installed as part of a major project (e.g., art exhibits and/or the like). Besides the resulting physical damage done to the walls, the overall mounting experience can be extremely time-consuming and exasperating, especially for inexperienced installers, such as ordinary consumers.

Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved picture frame hanging systems and methods that overcome the aforementioned deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, new and improved systems and methods are provided for hanging framed objects, such as picture frames, that permit simple and easy repositioning of the framed objects after the hanging system has already been mounted onto a surface or structure. The systems include a trio of elongated members that include an area defining a slot formed therein. The trio of members are interconnected to each other by a fastening device disposed at least partially through overlapping slot portions of two adjacent members. A first member is then mounted onto the surface or structure, such as but not limited to a wall. The other two members are then positioned relative to each other, as well as the first member, so as to be operable to situate the mounted framed objects in any number of positions, such as, but not limited to leftwardly, rightwardly, upwardly, downwardly and combinations thereof.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a hanger system is provided, comprising:

a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein;

a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein;

a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein;

a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots;

a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots; and

a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the first fastener system is operable to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the second fastener system is operable to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the third fastener system is operable to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a fourth fastener system is operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the surface or structure is a wall.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a hanger system is provided, comprising:

a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein;

a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein;

a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein;

a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots so as to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other;

a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots so as to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other;

a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots so as to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; and

a fourth fastener system operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the surface or structure is a wall.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a hanger system is privided, comprising:

a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein;

a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein;

a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein;

a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots so as to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other;

wherein the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another;

a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots so as to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other;

wherein the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another;

a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots so as to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other;

wherein the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another;

wherein each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween; and

a fourth fastener system operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.

In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the surface or structure is a wall.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a picture frame hanger system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of picture frame hanger system depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the picture frame hanger system depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the picture frame hanger system depicted in FIG. 1 that has been configured in a generally downwardly and rightwardly position, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the picture frame hanger system depicted in FIG. 1 that has been configured in a generally downwardly and leftwardly position, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the picture frame hanger system depicted in FIG. 1 that has been configured in a generally upwardly and centered position, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or uses.

Referring to the Figures generally, and specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a picture frame hanger system generally at 10.

System 10 may include a plurality of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively. Although three elongated members are shown, it should be appreciated that either less than or more than this number of elongated members may be used in the practice of the present invention. Each of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, may include an area defining a slot 100 a, 102 a, 104 a, respectively, formed therein. Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation of the invention, elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, may be comprised of a rigid or substantially rigid material, such as but not limited to metallic materials. The outer surface of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, may be provided with a textured or roughened surface to facilitate frictional engagement with other objects.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3, in order to interconnect elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, to one another, fastening systems 106, 108, 110, respectively, may be provided. By way of a non-limiting example, each of fastening systems 106, 108, 110, respectively, may include a screw or like device 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively, a flange member or like device 106 b, 108 b, 110 b, respectively, and a nut or like device 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively. The outer periphery of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively, and/or nuts 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively, may be provided with a knurled or otherwise textured surface to facilitate better finger grip. Additionally, a hexagonal socket may be provided in the center of the nuts and/or screws for using a hex key (e.g., Allen key) to tighten/loosen them.

By way of another non-limiting example, in order to interconnect elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, to one another, the respective slots 100 a, 102 a, 104 a, respectively, may be aligned with one another such that threaded portions 106 d, 108 d, 110 d, respectively, of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively, are able to extend through the overlapping slots of two of the elongated members and engage (e.g., threadingly engage) nuts 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively. By way of still another non-limiting example, as threaded portions 106 d, 108 d, 110 d, respectively, of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively, are brought into closer and closer engagement with nuts 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively, flange members 106 b, 108 b, 110 b, respectively, may be brought into contact with a front surface 100 b, 102 b, 104 b, respectively, of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively. By way of still another non-limiting example, as threaded portions 106 d, 108 d, 110 d, respectively, of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively, are brought into closer and closer engagement with nuts 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively, nuts 106 c, 108 c, 110 c, respectively, may be brought into contact with a rear surface 100 c, 102 c, 104 c, respectively, of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively.

It should be noted that fastening systems 106, 108, 110, respectively, are not intended to prevent absolute movement of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, relative to one another. Rather, it is intended that fastening systems 106, 108, 110, respectively, allow limited movement of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, relative to another by, for example, providing a frictional engagement between one or more surfaces of fastening systems 106, 108, 110, respectively, and one or more surfaces of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively. By way of a non-limiting example, the frictional engagement should not be so great that a person of ordinary strength would be unable to move one elongated member relative to another member, nor should the frictional engagement be so minimal such that one elongated member freely moves relative to another elongated member such that system 10 is unable to maintain .

To demonstrate the ability of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, to move relative to another, reference is made to FIGS. 5-7.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, system 10 has been configured in a generally overall downwardly and rightwardly position, in that elongated members 102, 104, respectively, have been manipulated so as to cause elongated member 102 to be moved downwardly to the right relative to elongated member 100 and elongated member 104 has been moved downwardly left relative to elongated member 102 and dowardly right relative to elongated member 100.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, system 10 has been configured in a generally overall downwardly and leftwardly position, in that elongated members 102, 104, respectively, have been manipulated so as to cause elongated member 102 to be moved downwardly to the left relative to elongated member 100 and elongated member 104 has been moved downwardly left relative to both elongated member 100 and elongated member 102.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, system 10 has been configured in a generally overall upwardly and centered position, in that elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, are generally neutral to one another, i.e., none of them have been manipulated so as to cause one elongated member to be noticeably moved or positioned downwardly or upwardly or to the left or right relative to one another.

In order to mount system 10 to a surface or structure, such as a wall, it is necessary to provide a fastening system 200. Fastening system 200 may include one or more fastening devices 202, 204, respectively, such as but not limited to screws, nails or like devices. Although two fastening devices are shown, it should be appreciated that less than or more than this number may used in the practice of the present invention. Fastening devices 202, 204, respectively, are intended to extend at least partially through slots 100 a, 102 a, 104 a, respectively, of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively. Although, fastening devices 202, 204, respectively, are shown as extending through slot 100 a of elongated member 100, it should be appreciated that fastening devices 202, 204, respectively, could extend through slots 102 a, 104 a, respectively, of elongated members 102, 104, respectively. Once the fastening devices 202, 204, respectively, have been inserted through the appropriate slot, they may be driven into the wall 300 (e.g., into a stud behind wall 300 or other appropriate structure).

By way of a non-limiting example, it may be preferable to ensure that one of elongated members 100, 102, 104, respectively, is mounted in a generally level horizontal position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-7. In these views, elongated member 100 has been selected as the one elongated member that is at least initially mounted to wall 300 in a generally level horizontal position. Additionally, the elongated member that is selected to be mounted to wall 300 should be fixedly mounted such that movement of that particular elongated member relative to wall 300 is prevented or restricted. It should be appreciated that one of the elongated members may also be mounted in a vertical orientation, as opposed to a horizontal orientation, or any orientation therebetween.

Once system 10 has been mounted to wall 300, it is possible to then mount a framed object, such as but not limited to a picture frame 400, to system 10. It should also be appreciated that the present invention may also be practiced with objects that do not include a conventional frame. By way of a non-limiting example, objects such as bas-relief sculptures, poster boards and/or the like (that do not include a frame therearound) may have a suitable mounting device on the rear surface thereof that may be able to cooperate with system 10. Accordingly, “picture frame,” as that term is used herein, is meant to include any object, whether framed on unframed, that is intended to be mounted to a surface or other object, such as but not limited to a wall.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-4, picture frame 400 may be manipulated such that a wire 402 mounted to a rear surface 400 a of picture frame 400 may be disposed on one of the shank portions 106 aa, 108 aa, 110 aa, respectively, of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively. By providing flange members 106 b, 108 b, 110 b, respectively, wire 402 should be contained within a “gap” formed between flange members 106 b, 108 b, 110 b, respectively, and an underside surface of the head portions of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively. Alternatively, should the picture frame 400 include hooks, bars, brackets and/or the like, as opposed to wire 402, one of those devices may be disposed on one of the shank portions 106 aa, 108 aa, 110 aa, respectively, of screws 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, respectively.

Once picture frame 400 has been installed or mounted onto system 10, the installer may easily and simply reposition picture frame 400 by manipulating elongated members 102, 104 respectively, relative to each other, as well as elongated member 100, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5-7. By way of a non-limiting example, the installer may move picture frame 400 to the left, to the right, downwardly, upwardly and any combination therewith, without having to remove and re-mount system 10 onto wall 300. By way of another non-limiting example, the installer may exert an appropriate force on wire 402 such that it causes one or both of elongated members 102, 104, respectively, to move relative to each other, as well as move relative to elongated member 100. That is, the installer may cause repositioning of picture frame 400 by manually moving one or more of elongated members 102, 104, respectively, without picture frame 400 being installed on system 10, or alternatively, the installer may cause repositioning of picture frame 400 by exerting an appropriate force on wire 402 with picture frame 400 being installed on system 10.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hanger system, comprising: a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein; a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein; a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein; a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots; a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots; and a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots.
 2. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the first fastener system is operable to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.
 3. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 4. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the second fastener system is operable to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.
 5. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 6. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the third fastener system is operable to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other.
 7. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 8. The hanger system according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth fastener system operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.
 9. The hanger system according to claim 8, wherein the surface or structure is a wall.
 10. The hanger system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween.
 11. The picture frame hanger system according to claim 10, wherein a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.
 12. A hanger system, comprising: a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein; a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein; a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein; a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots so as to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots so as to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots so as to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; and a fourth fastener system operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.
 13. The hanger system according to claim 12, wherein the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 14. The hanger system according to claim 12, wherein the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 15. The haner system according to claim 12, wherein the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another.
 16. The hanger system according to claim 12, wherein the surface or structure is a wall.
 17. The hanger system according to claim 12, wherein each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween.
 18. The hanger system according to claim 17, wherein a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.
 19. A hanger system, comprising: a first elongated member having an area defining a first slot formed therein; a second elongated member having an area defining a second slot formed therein; a third elongated member having an area defining a third slot formed therein; a first fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and second slots so as to bring the first and second elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; wherein the first and second elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another; a second fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the second and third slots so as to bring the second and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; wherein the second and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another; a third fastener system operable to be at least partially received through an overlapping portion of the first and third slots so as to bring the first and third elongated members into frictional engagement with each other; wherein the first and third elongated members are operable to slide relative to one another; wherein each of the first, second and third fastener systems include a screw, a flange and a nut, wherein the screw is operable to be brought into engagement with the nut, wherein the flange is disposed between the screw and the nut, wherein the flange and a surface of the screw defines a gap formed therebetween; and a fourth fastener system operable to be at least partially received through a portion of the first slot and fasten the first elongated member in a fixed or substantially fixed orientation relative to a surface or structure.
 20. The hanger system according to claim 19, wherein a mounting device on a framed object is operable to be brought into engagement with the gap.
 21. The hanger system according to claim 19, wherein the surface or structure is a wall. 